When facing systemic problems with their plumbing infrastructure, multifamily owners/operators and condominium associations often find themselves deciding between two options: pipe replacement or pipe lining.
Making the right choice is as much about protecting owner investments as the health and safety of the community.
Pipe lining—coating the inside of pipes with an epoxy resin—is often marketed as a quick, low‑disruption alternative to replacing an aging or defective piping system.
In practice, lining can create new technical, financial, and maintenance problems. It’s not the “easy fix” service providers claim. Particularly for domestic water pipes, pipe lining can pose serious risks to health and infrastructure.
Pipe Lining’s Limitations and Issues
Many owners first hear about lining when searching for a less invasive way to address leaks in aging or defective piping. Vendors highlight smaller access openings, shorter schedules, and the promise of “new pipe inside the old pipe.”
The reality, however, is more complicated. Here are a few limitations of pipe lining to keep in mind.
